What Is Bronzer Makeup? A Beginner’s Guide
Alyssia Chang
- Published
featured image: keke
Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
Ready to achieve that Tiktok, Instagram, perfect sun-kissed J-Lo glow without the sun’s harmful effects?
What is bronzer makeup, you ask? We’ve got the answer! In this blog post, we’ll explore the world of bronzer, different types and techniques, expert makeup hacks, and top bronzer products. Say hello to a radiant, golden complexion all year round.
Key Takeaways
Bronzer makeup is an easy way to bring warmth, dimension, shape, and a sun-kissed effect.
Choosing the right shade that’s one or two shades darker than your natural skin tone will create a gorgeous look.
Enhance your features with expert makeup hacks and top bronzing makeup products!
Understanding Bronzer Makeup
Bronzer makeup is a game changer for those seeking to add warmth, dimension, depth, and a suntan essence to their skin. It enhances the natural complexion, mimicking the effects of sunlight on the skin.
Whether used on bare skin or over foundation, bronzer can make your face more radiant even on days when your skin appears dull.
Don’t confuse bronzer with contour, though!
While they can be used interchangeably in some cases, bronzer and contour serve different purposes. Bronzer is generally has warm-toned pigments, creating a beautiful radiant effect, while contour enhances and mimics shadows casted by the light, with cooler and darker undertones.
Mastering the art of bronzer application takes practice, but the results are worth it – a healthy, luminous look that all, even celebrities adore.
Types of Bronzers
Bronzer comes in various forms, each with unique application methods and benefits. We’ll explore the characteristics and best uses of:
Bronzing sticks
Cream bronzers
Liquid bronzers
Powder bronzers
So, buckle up and get ready to find your perfect bronzer match!
Bronzing Sticks
Bronzing sticks are a breeze to use and perfect for on-the-go applications.
They allow for precise application and seamless blending, making them a popular choice for makeup enthusiasts.
Some of the most sought-after bronzing stick brands include Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt Shaping Stick, Nudestix Nudies Glow Bronzer & Highlighter Stick, and Fenty Beauty Match Stix Contour Skinstick.
These sticks are suitable for all skin types, including oily skin and fair skin, so you can easily find one that complements your skin tone and desired look.
Cream Bronzers
Cream bronzers are loved for their natural, all skin types, dewy finish, making them ideal for those with mature or dry skin.
With cream bronzers, a little goes a long way, so start with a small amount and build up to your desired intensity. Some highly recommended cream bronzer products include Fenty Beauty, Makeup By Mario, and Em Cosmetics.
Use a stippling brush or makeup sponge for flawless, easy blending.
Liquid Bronzers
Liquid bronzers offer versatility and can be mixed with other products like foundations, primers, and moisturizers for a customized glow.
Lay down the liquid bronzer first with a paddle liquid brush, then blend with a stippling brush or a damp beauty sponge for an even finish. Just like when using cream bronzers, this method will give you a finished look.
Iconic London’s liquid bronzer is a standout product due to its sheer formula, making it perfect for blending with other makeup products.
Powder Bronzers
Powder bronzers are the easiest, beginner-friendly, and suitable for all skin types product. Providing easy blending and controllable buildable coverage.
Some of the top powder bronzer options include Gucci Poudre De Beauté Éclat Soleil Bronzing Powder, Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer, and Nars Laguna Talc-Free Bronzer Powder. Just remember to start with a light touch and build up the intensity as needed for a natural, sun-kissed look.
How to Choose the Right Bronzer Shade
A natural, radiant look is achieved by selecting the correct bronzer shade. Your bronzer should be one or two shades darker than your natural skin tone for a completed makeup look.
Keep in mind your skin’s tones when selecting a bronzer shade – if you have a very light undertone, opt for neutral or even cooler-toned bronzers.
For medium skin tones, don’t be afraid to go bold and warm with your bronzer choice. For dark skin tones, use neutral based shades, and always have fun with a contrasting highlighter too. Remember, the purpose of a good bronzer shade will enhance your natural beauty and bring out your features without looking streaky or muddy.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Bronzer
We’ll help you achieve a seamless, sun-kissed look with this step-by-step guide on bronzer application to your face, eyes, and neck. From mastering the “3E” method on the face to adding depth and warmth to your eyes and ensuring a cohesive glow on your neck, we’ve got you covered!
Face Application
Always create a light base by dusting a light amount around the neck and whole face for blended evenness. Then, to apply bronzer on your face, use the “3E” method, which focuses on the temples, cheekbones, and jawline. Here’s how:
Start with a small amount of bronzer on a large, fluffy brush. Tap on the back of the hand for better application and control.
Sweep the bronzer across your forehead, starting at the temples and moving towards the center.
Apply the bronzer along your cheekbones, blending it upwards towards your temples.
Finally, sweep the bronzer down your jawline, creating a “3” shape on each side of your face.
This technique will enhance your features and create added shape, giving you that desired vacation glow.
Eye Application
Applying bronzer on the eyes can add depth and warmth to the eyelids and crease area, creating a beautiful and cohesive look.
Use a small eyeshadow brush to apply bronzer to the crease of your eyelid, starting from the outer corner and blending inward. You can also apply a small amount of bronzer to the outer corner of the lower lash line for added definition.
This is a great way to make the eyes pop in minutes and with little effort. Remember to start with a light hand and gradually build up the intensity for a stunning eye makeup look.
Neck Application
Neck application is essential for a cohesive and blended look. Use a large brush to apply bronzer in vertical strokes from the jawline down the neck, ensuring a seamless blend between your face and neck makeup.
Feel free to apply a bit more along the curvature of the décolleté area to give a detailed sultry feel.
This technique creates a stunning result and prevents any harsh lines or color discrepancies between your face and neck in person as well as in photos!
Expert Makeup Hacks for Using Bronzer
Here are our professional artist makeup hacks for using bronzer. Such as layering techniques, brush selection, and blending tips. These makeup tips will help you achieve a flawless bronzed look that will have people complimenting your skin!
When selecting a bronzer brush, consider the following:
Type of bristles: Natural hairs are ideal for powder bronzers, while synthetic bristles work best for liquid or cream bronzers.
Size of the brush: Choose a brush size that suits your desired application. Smaller brushes are great for precise application and depositing more product, while larger brushes cover more surface area and have a lighter application.
Bristle density: Opt for a brush with long, fluffy bristles that pick up just the right amount of product for an even finish.
As for blending, use a blending brush like the Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Cheek Hugging Bronzer Brush 190 or the Morphe M527 Deluxe Pointed Powder Brush to create a seamless finish. Use a hydrating setting spray to create a damp beauty blender, then soften the edges of the makeup with the sponge.
When applying cream or liquid bronzers bronzing formulas, use the underpainting makeup technique which is applying a bold amount of product on top of your foundation and concealer before you set with powders. This will create a fully finished, blurred makeup effect!
Top Bronzer Products to Try
Ready to find the perfect bronzer for your makeup collection? Some of the top bronzer products to try include:
Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer: a cult-favorite for its matte finish and versatility.
Rare Beauty By Selena Gomez Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Sticks: a super EASY bronzer to use, good for all skin types and water-resistant.
NARS Laguna Talc-Free Bronzer Powder: a beautiful bronzer that flatters a large range of skin tones.
Fenty Beauty Sun Stalk’r Instant Warmth Bronzer: offers a stunning range of shades for different skin tones.
Give these products a try and find your new go-to bronzer formula.
Combining Bronzer with Other Face Makeup
A balanced and radiant look can be achieved by combining bronzer with other face makeup products. Learn how to use bronzer alongside blush, highlighter, and contour for a stunning makeup look that enhances your natural beauty.
Start by applying bronzer to the areas where the sun would naturally hit your face, such as the forehead, cheeks, and nose.
Then, apply blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend seamlessly into the bronzer.
Finally, apply highlighter to the high points of your face, such as the cheekbones, nose, cupid’s bow, and brow bone, and blend it in with the bronzer and blush.
This combination of bronzer, blush, and highlighter will bring out your natural radiance and create a 3D complexion.
Common Bronzer Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Avoiding common pitfalls with bronzer is crucial for achieving a flawless finish, even though everyone makes mistakes. Some common bronzer mistakes include choosing the wrong shade, over-application, using the wrong tool, and poor blending.
To choose the perfect bronzer shade, consider your skin tone and the desired level of warmth and depth.
Apply bronzer with a light hand and gradually increase the amount for a natural look. Always tap on the back of your hand for better control.
Blend by smoothing out the edges of the bronzer well to create a seamless, natural-looking canvas and avoid any product splotches.
Summary
Now that you have the tools, expertise, and steps to achieve a great bronzing makeup look, go ahead and try out some new bronzing techniques or products!
You deserve to feel at your best all year round and we cannot wait for you to feel like the sun-kissed goddess that you are.
FAQs
Is it really necessary to use a bronzer?
Bronzers are a great way to add warmth and definition to your features while contouring, and can be a great way to add dimension and depth to all skin tones. Fair skin tones should look for a light bronzer with pink or peach undertones, while medium to dark skin tones should look for a bronzer with golden or cool undertones. Ultimately, bronzer can help achieve the sun-kissed look without dangerous sun exposure.
Which is better bronzer or contour?
Both are important! Bronzer and contour both provide different effects – bronzer adds a warm, sun-kissed tanned effect while contour can be used to create shadows, shape, and definition. If you want a natural looking radiance to your skin, go for bronzer, or if you want to create more defined cheekbones and nose shape, contour is the way to go.
Where do I apply bronzer?
Apply bronzer to the high points of your face – across your forehead, on the tops of your cheekbones, a bit on the nose and chin – for a natural glow.
What are the main benefits of using bronzer makeup?
Bronzer makeup is a great way to add a natural-looking sun-kissed glow to your complexion, enhancing your natural beauty and providing an additional layer of dimension.
Can bronzer be used with other face makeup products like blush, highlighter, and contour?
Yes, bronzer can be used with blush, highlighter and contour for a beautiful makeup look.
